I was 6 years old, just beginning to get into golf and grow my love for the game. Neither of my parents were golfers, so we simply watched to support and cheer on Tiger. At the time, I didn't understand how monumental this win was. Honestly, I just thought it was so cool that my uncle was on TV, and I could brag about it the next day at school.

The fact that he was the youngest and the first non-white to win the Masters never registered with me until I was much older. Looking back, this was a transcendent moment for the game of golf. It was bigger than the sport. Tiger had won at a place where non-whites were excluded as members until 1990. At the time, a moment like that was hard for me to comprehend.

However, what I could comprehend was a member of my family on TV kicking everyone's butt. A moment from that afternoon I will always remember is the image of my grandfather, Earl, and Tiger embracing on the 18th green. That image represents so much love and support. To be a 6-year-old sitting at home and see my "Grandpa" right there on TV made me feel much more connected with that moment. The image of Tiger hugging my grandfather on that final hole is one that still gives me goose bumps.

Posted!

A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.

Tiger Woods has won 79 times on the PGA Tour, three short of the all-time record held by Sam Snead. Here, on June 15, 2008, Woods makes a birdie on the 18th green to force an 18-hole playoff with Rocco Mediate at the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines. Woods won that playoff the next day for his 65th victory and 14th major. Now, take a look back at all 79 of Woods' victories.
Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports

Victory No. 35: 2003 Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines in San Diego.Feb. 13-16, 2003. (Woods watches Phil Mickelson putt on the ninth green in the final round. Mickelson was part of the chase pack that day.)
Tom Kurtz, AFP

Victory No. 51: 2006 PGA Championship at Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Ill. Aug. 17-20, 2006. (Woods with Phil Mickelson, one of his playing partners for the first two rounds.)
Donald Miralle, Getty Images

Victory No. 58: 2007 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio. Aug. 2-5, 2007 (Here, Woods for his ball in the crook of the folded arm of spectator Rudy Wittensoldner on the ninth green during the final round. Woods got a free drop and made par.)
Amy Sancetta, AP

Growing up watching Tiger have such success at the Masters, winning four times, I have always wanted to see Augusta National for myself. The anticipation and excitement — and nerves — are growing as Masters Week approaches because I'll finally get to Augusta as a correspondent for Back9Network.

I've heard year after year from friends, coaches and teammates how amazing it is to be at the Masters. I am so grateful for the opportunity to finally be able to experience this for myself this year.

Posted!

A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.

04/04/04 -- AUGUSTA, GEORGIA -- The view from the window of the Masters Club Room looking out toward Magnolia Lane. The Augusta National Clubhouse was initially constructed in 1854 by the owner of the then indigo plantation, Dennis Redmond and is considered the first cement house constructed in the South. (Photo by Jack Gruber, USA TODAY)
Jack Gruber XXX USAT

The Masters Club Room locker of Jack Nicklaus with his Masters green jacket. The Augusta National Clubhouse was initially constructed in 1854 by the owner of the then indigo plantation, Dennis Redmond, and is considered the first cement house constructed in the South.
Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports

So many things run through my mind as I try to prepare for this big week. What should I wear? How should I wear my hair? What souvenirs should I buy?

Perhaps I think most about the promise for the future. Augusta National welcomed the first two women to become members of their club late last year in former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore. Women have always been a few years behind in terms or equality and opportunity in athletics. It's a huge statement, for a club as traditional as Augusta National, to finally make this move.

It makes me wonder what other possibilities there could be for women at Augusta — maybe an LPGA event? I could only dream.